5 steps to closing performance gaps in your team

In any field, whether it's sports or business, closing performance gaps is crucial to building a high-performing team.

After working with thousands of teams around the world, we've identified the 5 key steps that can transform an average team into an exceptional one.

‍

1. Communicate regularly

Regular communication is the foundation of any successful team.

Open lines of communication ensure that everyone is on the same page and that issues are addressed promptly.

We know that in sports, constant feedback between coaches and players is essential for refining techniques and strategies. It's something that Super Netball star Latanya Wilson talked to us about here.

Similarly, in the workplace, regular huddles, check-ins and updates help in identifying our own team's bottlenecks and areas for improvement.

So encourage your team members to share their thoughts, ideas, and concerns freely. Utilise your communication channels, such as team meetings, one-on-one sessions and digital platforms, to facilitate continuous dialogue.

This regular interaction will help in building trust and transparency within your team, making it easier to address performance gaps as they arise.

‍

2. Create a safe environment

A high-performing team thrives in a safe environment, where members feel comfortable raising barriers to performance and sharing their ideas.

Psychological safety, the belief that one will not be punished or humiliated for speaking up with ideas, questions, concerns, or mistakes, is crucial for fostering creativity and continuous improvement.

As a leader, it's your responsibility to be proactive in creating and maintaining this safe environment. Encourage open dialogue and actively listen to your team members' concerns. Acknowledge their contributions and provide constructive feedback.

When team members feel safe, they are more likely to take risks and propose solutions that can significantly enhance team performance.

‍

3. Promote alignment

Team cohesion is achieved through continuous alignment on both the "why" and the "how" of the team's goals and objectives.

In team sports, every player will understand their responsibilities to each other and their fans. They'll know their objectives for the competition they're in, their shared game plan and their own role within it.

Similarly, in a business setting, each of your team members should be clear about your team's mission, vision and individual responsibilities.

You then need to regularly revisit and realign as things change. This helps in maintaining focus and ensuring that everyone is always working towards the same objectives.

‍

4. Empower team members

Once everyone's aligned, empowerment is about giving team members the authority and responsibility to come up with ideas, make decisions on-the-fly and enact changes that benefit the group.

Remember, empowered team members are not only more engaged, motivated, and committed to achieving the team's goals. By delegating decision-making authority to those closest to the issue, you can ensure more effective and timely solutions too.

‍

5. Take ownership for improvement

High-performing teams are characterised by their relentless pursuit of improvement.

They take real ownership of their performance metrics and are proactive in seeking ways to enhance their results. This involves regularly measuring what’s working, identifying areas for improvement together and taking decisive action based on the findings.

This is where you need to really foster that environment where radical candor is seen as an opportunity for growth rather than criticism.

By taking ownership of their performance, team members are more likely to be invested in the team's success and committed to closing any performance gaps.

‍

Conclusion

Closing performance gaps is a dynamic and ongoing process that requires consistent effort and dedication.

By fostering regular communication, creating a safe environment, promoting alignment, empowering team members, and taking ownership of improvement, you can build a high-performing team that consistently delivers exceptional results.

‍